Roku Ultra and Roku Streaming Stick 4K are two Roku devices you can purchase for your streaming needs.
Both devices have a few similar features, such as high-quality streaming in 4K and superior sound quality with Dolby and DTS sound technologies.
However, these devices also come with many distinctive features. One major feature that sets apart Roku Ultra from the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is its performance, with the former having a more advanced processor and twice the onboard memory.
Below is a detailed look at this distinguishing feature and other major differences between the two Roku streaming devices.
Device overview
| Roku Ultra | Roku Streaming Stick 4K | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $49.99 |
| Video features | 4K with HDR10/10+, Dolby Vision | 4K with HDR10/10+, Dolby Vision |
| Audio features | Dolby Atmos, DTS Surround | Dolby Audio, DTS Surround |
| CPU | ARM Cortex A55 Realtek 319 | ARM Cortex A55 Realtek 315 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | Wi-Fi |
| Ports and jacks | HDMI, USB, Ethernet | HDMI connector, micro USB |
Top differences between Roku Ultra and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Besides the performance, there are several distinguishing features between Roku Ultra and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K devices. Below is a look at them:
1. The performance
The Roku Ultra and Streaming Stick devices have an ARM Cortex A55 quad-core processor. However, Roku Ultra has the edge, with its chip being a newer model (Realtek 1319) compared to Roku Streaming Stick 4K’s Realtek 1315.
However, the onboard memory is the most distinguishing performance feature between the two devices. While Roku Streaming Stick 4K has a 1GB memory, Roku Ultra has a 2 GB memory.
Roku Ultra’s more advanced processor chip and onboard memory allow the streaming device to deliver more impressive performance.
Therefore, you can expect faster load times, smoother performance, seamless streaming, and without hassles like lagging or overheating.
2. Connectivity
Connectivity is another major feature that sets Roku Ultra apart from the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.
Both devices support Wi-Fi connectivity, but Roku Ultra comes with Wi-Fi 6 capability, while Roku Streaming Stick only supports Wi-Fi 5.
While this might not seem like a huge difference, Wi-Fi 5 has a maximum speed of about 3.5 Gbps, while Wi-Fi 6 can reach up to 9.6 Gbps.
Therefore, Roku Ultra can offer faster connections, improving the streaming experience, especially when streaming 4K videos.
Another major difference in connectivity is that Roku Ultra comes with ethernet support, allowing you to connect your device to a wired network. However, this feature is not available on the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.
3. Design and form factor
The design is another area where the Roku Ultra and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K differ clearly.
Roku Ultra is a set-top box measuring 4.9 x 5.0 x 1.0 inches. It is designed to sit on your entertainment centre or console table and has an HDMI port for connecting to your TV.
On the other hand, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a compact stick with an HDMI connector on one end, which plugs into your TV’s HDMI port.
Unlike Roku Ultra, the stick is more portable, and you can easily switch it between different TVs or even travel with it.
4. Available ports
Another major difference between Roku Ultra and Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the ports both devices have. These include:
The HDMI port
The Roku Ultra 4K has an HDMI port for connecting your box to the TV. On the other hand, the Streaming Stick does not have an HDMI port but rather an HDMI connector that plugs in directly to the TV.
Another difference in the HDMI feature is that the Roku Streaming Stick uses an HDMI 2.0b connector, compared to Roku Ultra’s HDMI 2.1b port.
Therefore, the latter allows for higher resolutions, a higher refresh rate, and more bandwidth, leading to improved video quality.
The USB port
Roku Ultra has a USB 3.0 port for connecting storage devices like USB drives and external hard drives. This feature lets you play local media such as music, photos, and videos on your TV.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K also comes with a USB port. However, unlike Roku Ultra’s port, it is a micro USB Port and does not support local media playback.
Instead, the port powers up the stick and connects it to a long-range Wi-Fi receiver for improved connectivity.
The Ethernet port
Roku Ultra has a 10/100 Mbps ethernet port for connecting your streaming device to a wired connection.
However, this feature is missing on the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, and Wi-Fi is the only available connectivity option.
5. Remote features
The Roku Ultra comes with the Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd edition), while the Roku Streaming Stick 4K also comes with the Roku Voice Remote. Therefore, the remote controls of both devices have several distinctive features.
First, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K’s remote comes with 2 AAA batteries, while the Roku Ultra’s remote comes with rechargeable batteries and a micro USB port for charging. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about replacing your batteries with Roku Ultra.
Both devices’ remotes have a voice control feature. However, the Streaming Stick’s remote only supports push-to-talk voice control.
On the other hand, Roku Ultra’s remote supports both push-to-talk and hands-free voice control.
Therefore, you can control your streaming device even if you are not holding your remote—but it (the remote) has to be near for the voice commands to work.
Lastly, the Roku Ultra remote has several features lacking in the Streaming Stick’s remote. These include backlit buttons, a live TV guide button, a quick launch button, personalized shortcuts, and a lost remote finder feature.
6. The price
As you would expect, both streaming devices have different price quotes. Due to its enhanced features, Roku Ultra is slightly expensive, with a quoted price of $99.99, while Roku Streaming Stick 4K costs $49.99.
Which is better, Roku Ultra or Roku Streaming Stick 4k?
Both devices offer excellent streaming features, especially with the 4K resolution, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Sound technologies.
However, Roku Ultra has a few extra features that are perfect if you want to stream high-quality content regularly. However, these extra features also mean you will pay more—double the cost of the Streaming Stick.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K is an excellent option if you are looking for decent streaming features at an affordable price. Its compact size also makes it perfect for a portable streaming device.